“Our current industrial method of food production is increasingly viewed as an unsustainable system, destructive to the environment and public health. But what is the alternative?

Fresh profiles the farmers, thinkers, and business people across the nation who are at the forefront of re-inventing food production in America. With a strong commitment to sustainability, they are changing how farms are run, how the land is cared for, and how food is distributed. Their success demonstrates that a new paradigm based on sustainable practices can be profitable and a model for our food system, if people choose to support it.

Fresh opens with a short summary of the problems and consequences of industrialized food production, then focuses primarily on the individuals who are creating new approaches to address environmental, health, and economic challenges throughout the food chain.

Joel Salatin is a world-famous sustainable farmer and entrepreneur who, by observing nature, devised a rotational grazing system for his animals that heals the land while making his operations many times more profitable than his conventional farming neighbors.

Will Allen, a former pro basketball player and recipient of a Macarthur “Genius Award”, is now one of the most influential leaders of the urban farming movement. He teaches people in the inner city the value of healthy food and how to grow their own.

David Ball saw his family-run supermarket and a once-thriving local farming community dying with the rise of Walmart and other big chains. So he reinvented his business, partnering with area farmers to sell locally-grown food at an affordable price. His plan has brought the local economy back to life.

Fresh also features a farmer in Iowa who illustrates the struggles family farmers face, a hog farmer in Missouri who stopped using antibiotics on his pigs, and commentary by noted food expert and author Michael Pollan.” Film 70 mins.

Interested in restoration agriculture, sustainable gardening, and local solutions? Come join our latest free film to meet other like minded folk and learn more.

NW Permaculture Institute Free Film and Lecture Series
Held in Salem every 2nd Wednesday @ 6:30 pm
At Salem Friend’s Meeting House, 490 19th Street NE (19th at Breyman)
For more information: 971-218-4772, or dianedalychavez@gmail.com.

As American food nears a state of crisis, INGREDIENTS explores a thriving local food movement where community, food-safety, and flavor are commonplace. Traveling across the United States, from the urban food deserts of Harlem to the abundant Willamette Valley, INGREDIENTS, is a journey that reveals the people who are bringing good food back to the table, and the myriad ways we all can eat better. It empowers and sparks the joy of discovery in creating a healthier, more sustainable model for living and eating well in a world in need of balance. 67 mins.

Interested in restoration agriculture, sustainable gardening, and local solutions? Come join our latest free film to meet other like minded folk and learn more.

NW Permaculture Institute Free Film and Lecture Series
Held in Salem every 2nd Wednesday @ 6:30 pm
At Salem Friend’s Meeting House, 490 19th Street NE (19th at Breyman)
For more information: 971-218-4772, or dianedalychavez@gmail.com.

Voices of Transition: A Film by Nils Aguilar
A documentary “action” movie for community-led food production.
Free Film Event Wednesday, February 14th, 2018 @ 6:30pm

Voices of Transition: Three Paths To a Better (Food) System

Farming in Transition : France is a leader in agroforestry research. The natural forest ecosystem is the best source of inspiration of the shift away from destructive monocultural farming to diversified and truly efficient agricultural ecosystems.

Community-led Solutions : With its roots in the UK, the Transition Town movement is now booming globally. Numerous grassroots initiatives are bringing food production into the city, encouraging resource -conscious thinking re-localising infrastructure.

Cuba’s path to agroecology : When the Soviet Union collapsed, so did Cuba’s oil supply. The country’s farms faced an unprecedented crisis. But Cuba has used this desperate situation to become a pioneer of agro-ecology and urban farming. 70% of all fruits and vegetables eaten Havana are now grown in the city — and they’re organic.

Interested in restoration agriculture, sustainable gardening, and local solutions? Come join our latest free film to meet other like minded folk and learn more.

NW Permaculture Institute Free Film and Lecture Series
Held in Salem every 2nd Wednesday @ 6:30 pm
At Salem Friend’s Meeting House, 490 19th Street NE (19th at Breyman)
For more information: 971-218-4772, or dianedalychavez@gmail.com.

Just realized that this will be on Valentine’s Day. Feel free to bring chocolate.

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba’s economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half – and food by 80 percent – people were desperate. Cuba rebuilt its quality of life following that energy crisis. This fascinating and empowering film shows how communities pulled together, created solutions, and ultimately thrived in spite of their decreased dependence on imported energy. Film 53 minutes.

Presented by the NW Permaculture Institute and The Peace with Justice Film Series. 490 19th NE, (19th and Breyman) Salem Friends Meeting. October 8th @ 4pm. Everyone is welcome. Accessible. No charge. For more info email bennyanddiane at gmail dot com

A 2-day Introduction to Permaculture course designed to give participants a solid understanding of how to apply permaculture ethics, principles, strategies and techniques in their lives and communities.